Rams QB Matthew Stafford Mum on Future; Sean McVay Upset With Retirement Query

[ad_1] Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay wasn't pleased speaking about the opportunity of Sunday's NFC Championship Sport loss to the Seattle Seahawks being the ultimate sport of star quarterback Matthew Stafford's profession.

McVay appeared incredulous when he was requested if he anticipated Stafford to return to the staff for the 2026 season.

"I imply, yeah, if he nonetheless desires to play," McVay replied in his postgame press convention. "I imply, what the hell type of query is that?"

Nonetheless, McVay appeared a bit calmer when requested in a follow-up if he knew whether or not Stafford desires to play or not in 2026.

"You need to ask him," McVay mentioned. "We have been completely current. He is the MVP of the league, and if he is not, and I've bought respect for everyone else, however this man performed at a stage that is simply totally different."

However Stafford did not present any clues on what is perhaps subsequent for him when he was requested to summarize the Rams' 2025 season and if he was contemplating retirement.

"I can’t generalize six months of my life ten minutes after a loss," Stafford informed reporters. "So, I recognize the blokes on this locker room. It was an entire hell of so much, all people that helped me and helped our staff be as profitable as we had been this 12 months.

"That is all I am going to reply for you."

Stafford, who'll flip 38 within the first week of February, has informed folks near him that he presently plans on taking part in once more in 2026, NFL Media reported Sunday. The veteran quarterback additionally believes he has loads of soccer left, NFL Media added in its report.

Matthew Stafford watches nervously within the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship Sport. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Pictures)

Stafford has handled uncertainty about his future over the previous few years. Final offseason, Stafford publicly flirted with different groups as he sought a contract extension with the Rams. After talking with the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, Stafford agreed to a restructured contract to stay in Los Angeles.

That contract, although, solely has one 12 months remaining with a potential out following this season, which means Stafford will virtually actually search for a brand new deal. If that is the case, Stafford made a powerful case to be paid like one of many high quarterbacks within the league this season. Along with main the Rams to the NFC Championship Sport, Stafford led the league in passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (47).

Stafford's prolific passing numbers have him in line to seemingly win his first MVP of his profession. He was named first-team All-Professional earlier in January, which is usually a precursor to profitable MVP. He was additionally the MVP favourite when the common season ended, which was additionally when voting for the award closed.

But when Sunday was Stafford's closing sport, he went out with one among his finest efforts. He threw for 374 yards, three touchdowns and nil interceptions within the loss.